Prayer is the daily business of every believer. Prayer is not a waste of time but it saves us time. Choose today, to begin to develop the discipline of prayer.

How?
That’s the question everyone is asking.
How does a 30,000-pound fighter jet fall from the sky, slam into a crowded neighborhood, burst into a fireball, incinerate dozens of apartments – and kill no one?

On Saturday, one day after a Navy F/A-18D crashed into the Mayfair Mews apartments on Birdneck Road, everyone on the ground was declared safe and accounted for, and both pilots had been released from the hospital.
As teams of white-suited hazmat workers combed through charred rubble, and the stench of jet fuel still hung in the air, one word was on the lips of grateful neighbors, wide-eyed onlookers, tired firemen, seen-it-all rescuers, cynical police officers, and hardened military types: Miracle.

“I can’t speak for everyone’s religious beliefs,” said Adm. John Harvey, head of the Navy’s Fleet Forces Command, “but if you want to define a miracle, what happened here yesterday meets that definition for me.”

A GOOD FRIDAY MIRACLE! TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE MIRACLE OF CHRIST RESURRECTION!

Let's open our hearts to him and allow Christ the King to make a triumphal entry into our hearts during this Easter season.

Day 15

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 4:2-3
Confession of Faith: God is bringing the right people into my life today.
Prayer Point: Pray for the right connections that will help you fulfill the purpose of God on your life.

Day 16

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 4:4-5
Confession of Faith: I will rejoice today because I know that God is near.
Prayer Point: Pray that the Holy Spirit will produce the fruit of joy in your life to a greater dimension this year.

Day 17

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 4:6
Confession of Faith: I will not worry about today or tomorrow because I know God.
Prayer Point: Pray for those that are in need of Christ.

Day 18

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 4:7
Confession of Faith: I am at peace and I will not be anxious because the God of peace abides in me.
Prayer Point: Pray for a greater understanding of the peace of God.

Day 19

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 4:8-9
Confession of Faith: I will think on good things. Therefore, my life will be full of peace and joy.
Prayer Point: Pray for your Pastors and church leaders.

Day 20

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 4:10-13
Confession of Faith: I will be content and will not allow worry to control my life.
Prayer Point: Pray for inner spiritual strength that is found in Christ.

Day 21

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 4:14-23
Confession of Faith: I will reap a great harvest of righteousness because I am sowing good seed by faith.
Prayer Point: Pray over the “All Out Offering” that will be received on April 1st at HOC and what God would have you to sow in faith toward it.

Day 8

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 3:10
Confession of Faith: I am living my life in the power of the resurrected Christ because I know Him intimately and His resurrection power lives in me.
Prayer Point: Pray for a more intimate experience with Christ today. (Get to know him through prayer)

Day 9

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 3:12
Confession of Faith: Today, I am pressing toward the purpose of God for my life and through the grace of God I will take hold of it.
Prayer: Pray over your relationships. (Relationships move the Kingdom of God)

Day 10

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 3:13
Confession of Faith: Today, I am letting go of past hurts, offenses, toxic relationships and thoughts and I am moving forward toward the heavenly call on my life.
Prayer: Pray a prayer of rededication to God and his call on your life.

Day 11

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 3:15-16
Confession of Faith: I think, talk and act differently because I am maturing in Christ. Therefore, I will live up to the God’s will for my life.
Prayer: Pray for greater spiritual maturity in your life this year and for all those who attend HOC.

Day 12

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 3:17-19
Confession of Faith: I choose to take up my cross and follow Christ daily. (Matt 16:24)
Prayer: Pray for your enemies.

Day 13

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 3:20-21
Confession of faith: My citizenship is in heaven. Therefore, I have all I need to accomplish my purpose in the earth.
Prayer: Pray for heavenly resources to be released into your life and HOC.

Day 14
Scripture Meditation: Philippians 4:1
Confession of Faith: I am standing firm in Christ and nothing will shake me because my foundation is secure.
Prayer: Pray for our nation and for all those who are leading it.

Day 1

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 1:6
Confession of Faith: I confess that God will complete the work He began in my life and I will humble myself under His Lordship.
Prayer Point: Pray for the leadership of HOC.

Day 2

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 1:9-10
Confession of Faith: I confess that the love of God fills my heart. Therefore, I choose to love everyone unconditionally.
Prayer Point: Pray for those who are unsaved in your family (call them by name).

Day 3

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 1:20-21
Confession of Faith: Christ will be exalted in and through my life this year.
Prayer Point: Pray that courage will arise in the hearts of those that attend HOC.

Day 4

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 1:27
Confession of Faith: I will stand firm in the Spirit of God and I will not be shaken by what’s going on around me.
Prayer Point: Pray for unity of the Spirit in your family and HOC.

Day 5

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 2:1-4
Confession of Faith: This year I will be selfless and put others first. I will put God first in every area of my life and seek His will everyday.
Prayer Point: Pray for someone other than yourself.

Day 6

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 2:12-16
Confession of Faith: The witness of my life is becoming brighter and brighter. I will win someone to Christ this year and I will not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Prayer Point: Pray for an unsaved friend and that God will open up a door of opportunity for you to share your testimony with him/her.

Day 7

Scripture Meditation: Philippians 3:7-9
Confession of Faith: My confidence is not in my own righteousness or good works but in the finish work of the cross. My confidence is in Christ Jesus.
Prayer Point: Pray to know Christ more intimately.

Step 1: Be Specific: Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.

•The king's food was against dietary laws.
•Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.
•The king's food had been offered up to idols/demons.

Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment: The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. "Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8).

Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline: Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can't discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health can be linked to any of the following factors:

•Your food choices.
•The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
•Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don't stop on Day 9.
•Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body, and faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.

Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin's Role in Poor Health: Notice James 5:13-16:

■Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
■Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
■Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.
■Repentance is linked to health according to James.
■Elders have a role in healing both spiritual and physical health.
■Sick people must desire to be well
■The anointing oil could mean
■Medicine for healing,
■Symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or
■It could be baptism
■Prayer alone may not gain healing, faith is the major factor.
■In Greek there are several words for "sick". James uses "Kanino", which not only includes disease, but also means weak or weary.
■Attitude is important. James said, "are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms."

Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others: Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king's food.

Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat: Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.

Step 7: Yield All Results to God: Daniel said, "as you see fit, deal with your servants" (Dan. 1:13).

Step 1: Be Specific: Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.

•The king's food was against dietary laws.
•Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.
•The king's food had been offered up to idols/demons.

Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment: The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. "Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8).

Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline:  Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can't discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health can be linked to any of the following factors:

•Your food choices.
•The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
•Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don't stop on Day 9.
•Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body, and faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.

Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin's Role in Poor Health:  Notice James 5:13-16:

■Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
■Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
■Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.
■Repentance is linked to health according to James.
■Elders have a role in healing both spiritual and physical health.
■Sick people must desire to be well
■The anointing oil could mean
■Medicine for healing,
■Symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or
■It could be baptism
■Prayer alone may not gain healing, faith is the major factor.
■In Greek there are several words for "sick". James uses "Kanino", which not only includes disease, but also means weak or weary.
■Attitude is important. James said, "are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms."

Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others: Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king's food.

Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat:  Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.

Step 7: Yield All Results to God: Daniel said, "as you see fit, deal with your servants" (Dan. 1:13).

.

• David deals with boredom (11:1-3)

• David and adultery (11:4)

• David’s trouble (11:5)

• David’s solution to his trouble: Plan A (11:6-12)

• David’s plan B (11:14-15)

• David’s perceived cover-up (11:26-27)

• David’s Rebuke (12:7)

• David’s Confession (12:13)

• David’s repentant heart ( Ps. 51)

Discussion Questions:
1. Why is boredom so dangerous?
2. How can we prevent boredom?
3. What were the repercussions of David’s sin?
4. Will God forgive us of our sin?

INTRO:

David was approximately 10 to 15 years old when he was anointed to be future king by Samuel. However, he didn’t actually assume the position until he was thirty. Therefore, there was about a 15 year span that he proved the will of God through obedience and service. Often times in our lives, it's the process of maturity that anoints us to fulfill the destiny that God has given us. God anoints us in secret before it’s ever displayed publicly.

David: Anointed 3x

First, privately at Bethlehem (1 Sam. 16:13).
Second, by the men of Judah (2 Sam. 2:4).
Third, by the elders of Israel (2 Sam. 5:3).

Scripture Text:
• Isaiah 10:27
• Luke 4:18-19
• Isaiah 11:1-2
• 1 John 1:20 & 26-27
• Acts 10:38
• Psalm 45:6-7
• Psalm 23:5

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to be anointed?

2. How did the anointing help David?

3. Have you ever experienced the presence of God?

4. How can the anointing help us?

The president of the largest independent steel company, Charles Schwab, lived on borrowed money the last five years of his life and died broke.

The greatest wheat speculator, Arthur Cutten, died abroad, insolvent.

The president of the New York Stock Exchange, Richard Whitney, served a term in Sing Sing Prison.

The member of the President's Cabinet, Albert Fall, was pardoned from prison so he could die at home.

The greatest "bear" in Wall Street, Jesse Livermore, committed suicide.

The president of the Bank of International Settlements, Leon Fraser, committed suicide.

The head of the world's greatest monopoly, Ivar Drueger, committed suicide.

All of these men had learned how to make money, but not one of them had learned how to live.

This year’s theme at HOC is “Living the God First Life!” What does it mean and what does it look like?

The Bible begins with these words, “In the beginning God…”  From the beginning of time God has been first and He desires that we put him first in our lives. To put God first means to honor Him in every area of our lives. This is what life looks like when you put God first.

1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul …. How do I practically love God?

Set aside time to spend with God  (prayer, fasting, bible reading)

Connect with God’s people on a regular basis (faithfully attend the church)

Give to God first (practice generosity) Obey God’s word 

2. Love your neighbor as yourself…How do I practically love my neighbor?

Through our actions and not just our words (1 John 3:18)

By putting them first

Showing concern for their needs

I want to encourage you to begin to live “The God First Life” by loving God and loving your neighbor.

Step 1: Be Specific Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.

Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. "Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8).

Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can't discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health can be linked to any of the following factors:

Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin's Role in Poor Health Notice James 5:13-16:

• Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
• Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
• Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.
• Repentance is linked to health according to James.
• Elders have a role in healing both spiritual and physical health.
• Sick people must desire to be well
• The anointing oil could mean
• Medicine for healing,
• Symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or
• It could be baptism
• Prayer alone may not gain healing, faith is the major factor.
• In Greek there are several words for "sick". James uses "Kanino", which not only includes disease, but also means weak or weary.
• Attitude is important. James said, "are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms."

Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king's food.

Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.

Step 7: Yield All Results to God Daniel said, "as you see fit, deal with your servants" (Dan. 1:13).

I hope we all learn this lesson....We are valuable to God and he will supply all our needs!

Thanks to all those who serve at HOC. Thanks for having a heart for God's house!

The Chinese man looked at him and said, "Tattoo in heart before on arm?"

As a man thinks in his heart so is he!

What are you thinking about RIGHT NOW?

Our potential to handle money comes in raw form. We have to discover, develop and deploy that potential if we are going to handle money in a God honoring way.

Love God not Money

We can’t Serve (Love) God and money! It is impossible to do both at the same time. We must make a decision which one we will love and serve. We can only move forward when we decide which one we will serve. Most people are looking for a treasure chest but God wants to see if we will pass the treasure test.

 Learn to live within your means

 My means is my weekly, monthly or yearly income.  Living within our means begins to bring peace and prosperity to our lives.

 Illustration: Warren Buffett who is worth 45 Billion dollars still lives in his Omaha Nebraska home he bought in 1958 for 31,500 dollars.

 Here are five steps to living within your means:

1 – Track your spending 2- Set a budget  3- Separate needs from wants 4- Use credit sparingly 5- Comparison Shop

 Remember, God never intended for us to live our lives from miracle to miracle. If you always need a miracle you are living your life out of control. A sign of immaturity is living from miracle to miracle. What happens when the miracles stop? God wants us to mature and live a life of wisdom.

 Leave a legacy

 Proverbs 13:22 – “A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children.”

 What is a legacy? A legacy is something that is passed to us from a previous generation or time. We must understand three things if we are going to leave a legacy.

1. Money is a TOOL

Money is a median of exchange in the earth realm. Therefore, money is a tool not a possession.

2. Money is a TEST

How do we handle the practicalities of life. That’s the natureal realm test. It's a gauge for spiritual growth and our obedience. If we fail we have to take the test again until we pass it. Luke 16:10-11

3. Money is a TESTIMONY

We develop a testimony when we pass the treasure test. This becomes a witness to those around us and gives us the ability to speak into their lives.

When we fail to master money our money becomes our master.

The house you have to live in!

I once asked a group of fifteen pastors if they would attend the churches they were leading if they were not on staff. In other words, if they were just random people in the community working in different fields and they didn’t have to be there, would they actually want to be a part of their church? Would the programs impress them? Would the culture entice them? Would the vision inspire them?

Only two raised their hands.

Only two wanted to be a part of the church and the culture they themselves were trying to build.

It reminds me of an old illustration about a contractor who had been building houses for a friend. Eventually the friend gave the contractor one last house to build. He provided him with all the dimensions and told him to use the best material. But since it was his last house, the contractor decided to cut some corners thinking he could cover it up and save money. After the house was built, to his surprise his friend tossed him the keys to the house and told him it was his reward for his hard work.

We’re all building something.

Everyone is building their reputation. Their legacy. Their character. Parents are building marriages and families. Business leaders are building corporations. Pastors are building churches.

Whatever you’re building, make sure that it’s something you would actually want to live in yourself. Because you’re going to have to.

The reputation you’re building is the reputation you have to live with. The family you’re building is the family you have to come home to every day. The organization you’re building, whether it’s a business or a church, is the organization you’re going to have to lead.

So build something you would live in, even if you didn’t have to.

We can not change ourselves! God gives us the power to change through recieving the gospel. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.

The GOSPEL must be believed before it can be enjoyed!

Today, you can be changed by the power of the Gospel! BELIEVE IT!

• Expands our ability reach a broader group of people AMC is centrally located AMC has better parking AMC is an easily recognized location AMC is an overall better facility

• Will enhance the effectiveness of our Children’s Ministry ( Impact Kidz & Wee Worshippers: nursery 0-2 & preschool 2-4) Each age group has it own secure and kid friendly environment Each age group has  better appearance and security

• Will enhance the effectiveness of ministry toward those in Middle School They will meet in their own theater after experiencing worship with their parents in the main auditorium. They will have their own sound system and video capability They will have a Biblical age appropriate message given each week They will meet in a place other than a school classroom

• The worship experience will be more pleasant to the ear AMC is built for a great audio & visual experience Sound will be easier to control and monitor

• The temperature will be constant and comfortable, not fluctuating from Sunday to Sunday

• Our set up & tear down will be greatly reduced, enhanced and more efficient

• We will be across the street from Harvest Central which is the offices of HOC.

Those who love to fellowship after church can do so in the lobby, courtyard, or even the restaurants which are connected outside/inside the mall. This is great for our growth groups who want to connect after church.

Even as adults sometimes our feelings get "SPANKED" and when they do remember: to forgive quickly and continue with life. Don't give any place for the enemy to derail your walk with God.

It has been said that the same word for crisis in Chinese is the same word for opportunity. The church must maximize the opportunity that stands before us. The whole world, it seems, is in a crisis mode. The headlines talk about wars, financial meltdowns, oil spills, and climate change. It is time to maximize the opportunity by declaring the hope that is found in Jesus Christ.

Paul in Ephesians 5 tells us, “to make the most of every opportunity.” The word opportunity is also translated time. It is not some ordinary word but one that is real strategic. It means: a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis or an opportune or seasonable time.

The earth has been brought to a crisis. It is an opportune time for the church to arise and expand the kingdom of God like never before. It’s time to step into the opportunity. Don’t allow fear to stop your forward momentum. When we step into the opportunity, God will meet us there. Step out today and watch the goodness and favor of God show up! Maximize the opportunity today!

There can be no CROSS-LESS gospel. Without the cross the gospel is powerless. (I Cor. 1:17-18)

On a recent missions trip to Guatemala, I witnessed how the power of the cross brings about change in the lives of individuals. It's not an American gospel. It's the gospel that is able to transform the WORLD.  

When we come to the cross we see the light! When we come to the cross the burden of our sin is rolled away! When we come to the cross we experience the power of salvation!

Have you been to the cross lately?  Have you experienced its power?

Many people live their lives in survival mode. I choose to thrive and not just survive! To thrive means to grow, flourish greatly, or to increase. If HOC is going to thrive each one of us must realize that we have individual responsibility. We are responsible for what we do and do not do!

• We are at our best when we are responsible.
• We are happiest when we are responsible.
• We are in the will of God when we are responsible.

The society, the community, the family, the church is better off when we feel the weight of responsibility. It is very healthy to feel the weight of responsibility. We are responsible to:

1. To discover our gift(s)

Everyone has been gifted by God. We don’t get to determine what gift we possess but we have the awesome responsibility to discover our gift (s).

2. To develop our gift(s)

Development by its very nature is a process. It takes time to develop the skills, attitudes, and character that it take to honor God with the gift(s) and build up others in love.

3. To deploy our gift(s)

We are called by God to use whatever gift(s) that has been given us to build up his body. Serving is how we deploy our gift(s) to build up the body of Christ at HOC.

Going is calling us to take responsibility and discover, develop and deploy our gift(s) at HOC. Let me ask you this simple question. Are you taking your responsibility and doing your part. We will THRIVE as we all do our part.

1. Vision motivates us.

2. Vision keeps us focused.

3. Vision is life-giving.

To live without a God-giving vision for your life is like trying to start your car without the key. God's vision for your life is the key to living a healthy, fulfilling, and abundant life. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Are you playing your part in God's body called the church?